Author Archives: Lorraine

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About Lorraine

I am a local historian, whose love of Dover has lead to decades of research into some of the lesser known tales that this famous and beautiful town has to tell.

Old Park Part II: From Barracks to Junior Leaders to Houses & Business Park

Posted on November 22, 2014 by Lorraine

In 1938 Robert Letheridge Murray Lawes was the owner of the 423 acres Old Park estate on the north east side of Dover (see part I of the Old Park story). This was originally two separate estates, the originally Old … Continue reading →

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Old Park history part I & the Foundation of the Playing Fields Association

Posted on November 15, 2014 by Lorraine

Lost in the mists of time there was the manor of Archer’s Court at Whitfield, northeast of Dover. Nearby was a house belonging to the Knights Templars with a large park. Following the demise of the Templars in the early … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Lawes Murray Old Park & the Foundation of the Playing Fields Association, Old Park history part I & the Foundation of the Playing Fields Association, Old Park history part I & the Foundation of the Playing Fields Association, Old Park history part I & the Foundation of the Playing Fields Association, Open Spaces, People, Whitfield | Comments Off on Old Park history part I & the Foundation of the Playing Fields Association

Crabble Tram Accident – 19 August 1917

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Lorraine

 The Crabble tram accident of 1917 remains one of the worst on record with 11 dead and 60 injured (figures taken from the coroner’s report), many seriously. This is the story. Crabble is a hamlet in the village of River. The village is … Continue reading →

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Edward Knocker – The Town Clerk who Reformed

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Lorraine

There are no records as to when a Town Clerk, or Common Clerk – as the post was originally called – was first appointed for Dover; but the role was referred to in 1356. At that time the function of the … Continue reading →

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Fairs

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Lorraine

In medieval times, the feast of St Martin, on 11 November, was Dover’s Holy Day or holiday and initially lasted three days. During that time merry-making took place close to St Martin-le Grand Church that was situated on the west … Continue reading →

Posted in Fairs, Fairs, Societies, Culture and Entertainment, Tourism | Comments Off on Fairs